Intelligent proximity detector

a detector and intelligent technology, applied in the field of proximity detectors, can solve the problems of known sensor systems and known to generate false trigger signals, and achieve the effect of higher sensitivity

Active Publication Date: 2020-01-16
SEMTECH CORP
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a proximity sensor for a portable device that can detect a user's body part close to the device. The sensor has two electrodes that can detect changes in capacitance caused by the user's body. The sensor can generate a proximity signal based on the detected capacitance and can discriminate between different directions of approach. The sensor can be used to inhibit a touch-sensitive display when the device is close to the user's body part, for example when making a phone call. The sensor can also use data from other sensors, like motion sensors or temperature sensors, to make a decision on whether the device is in a stationary state or if there is a severe temperature drift. The sensor can have a shield electrode and a guard electrode to improve its sensitivity. The directional sensitivity of the sensor can be achieved by combining the readings of multiple electrodes.

Problems solved by technology

A limitation of the known sensor systems is their sensitivity to environmental factors like, for example, temperature and humidity changes, Known sensor are known to generate false trigger signals due to the condensation of water or ice.

Method used

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Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0026]Although the present invention is applicable to vast array of devices including, but not limited to, cell phones, tablets, and laptop computers, examples of this description may refer simply to a phone. This should not be construed as a limitation of the invention, but merely as an example focusing on a special implementation for concision's sake.

[0027]The functioning of a capacitive proximity detector suitable for the invention will now be recalled referring to figures. As illustrated in FIG. 1, capacitive sensors may use, as sense electrode, a conductive layer 20 on a printed circuit board or PCB 157. In the example, the electrode 20 is surrounded by a grounded ring-shaped guard electrode 25, backed by a shield electrode 23, and covered by a dielectric overlay 158, but none of these features is essential, as the shape that can be round, as shown or any other shape. The guard electrode 25 may be used to enhance the directivity of the detection, shielding the main electrode la...

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Abstract

A capacitive proximity sensor for use in mobile devices such as smartphones and connected tables, in which it is used to switch off a display (70) when the device is brought to the ear. The capacitive sensor is arranged for rejecting spurious detection induced, for example, by condensation, ingress of water, or thermal drift, based on the time variations of a capacity seen by the readout circuit (80), Additionally, the proximity sensor may integrate signals form motion sensors, temperature sensors or other sensors, to discriminate spurious proximity signals.

Description

REFERENCE DATA[0001]The present application claims the benefit of prior date of US provisional application 62 / 597,622 of Jul. 13, 2018, in the name of the same applicant. The entire contents of that application is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention concerns a proximity sensor and a method for detecting the proximity of a body portion. Embodiments of the present invention particularly concern wireless mobile devices, like mobile phones, personal computer or tablets that are equipped with the proximity sensor of the invention and, based on proximity signals generated by the sensor, can inhibit a display and / or a touch sensitive panel, and / or adapt a RF power of a radio transmitter.DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART[0003]It is often desired to detect whether a body portion is at short distance of an apparatus. In the special case of cell phones and wirelessly connected mobile device, (including tablets and other similar terminals). This form of p...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & AuthorityApplications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): H04M1/725G06F3/044H04M1/72454
CPCH04M2250/12G06F3/044H04M1/72569H04M1/026H04M1/73H04M1/72454H03K2217/960705H03K17/955H03K2217/94031H03K2217/94026G06F3/011G01B7/14G06F3/0346G06F1/3231
InventorROUAISSIA, CHAOUKIZHENG, HEHAI
OwnerSEMTECH CORP